Stephen Bingham - Orchestra Leader
Steve Bingham studied violin with Emmanuel Hurwitz, Sidney Griller and the Amadeus Quartet at the Royal Academy of Music where he won prizes for orchestral leading and string quartet playing. In 1985 Steve formed the Bingham String Quartet, an ensemble which has become one of the foremost in the UK, with an enviable reputation for both classical and contemporary repertoire. The Quartet has recorded numerous CDs and has worked for radio and television both in the UK and as far afield as Australia. The group has toured in Europe, the Middle East and Australia and has worked with distinguished musicians such as Jack Brymer, Raphael Wallfisch, Michael Collins and David Campbell. The Quartet’s educational activities have included residencies at London’s South Bank Centre, for several UK festivals and at Radley College. The Quartet is also known for its many performances of new works by some of the best young composers in Britain.
Steve has appeared as guest leader with many orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and English National Ballet. He has given solo recitals both in the UK and America and his concerto performances include works by Bach, Vivaldi, Bruch, Prokofiev, Mendelssohn and Sibelius, given in venues as prestigious as St John’s, Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall.
In recent years he has developed his interest in improvisation, electronics and world music, collaborating with several notable musicians including guitarist Jason Carter and players such as Sanju Vishnu Sahai (tabla), Baluji Shivastrav (sitar) and Abdullah Ibrahim (piano). Steve is currently concentrating on solo electric and acoustic violin projects following the release of his debut solo CD Duplicity.
Steve’s interests include ornithology and Celtic knotwork.
See also:
- Stephen’s own web site
- An interview with Stephen Bingham.